Musician Miguel Lawrence wowed audiences with an astonishingly fast performance of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’ on sopranino recorder, flawlessly executing every note at lightning speed. Accompanied by pianist David Perkins, Lawrence delivered the iconic piece—originally from ‘The Tale of Tsar Saltan’—with breathtaking precision and energy. The dazzling performance took place at The Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre in Walton-on-Thames, England, in March 2023, leaving the crowd in awe of his virtuosity and control.
Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie Reflect on the Real Story Behind ‘Hold Me Now’
In a new episode of Why This Song?, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey and Alannah Currie each shared the true inspiration behind their 1983 classic ‘Hold Me Now’. The duo revealed the emotional hit was born from a real-life moment of heartbreak and reconciliation. “It actually is about something that really happened,” Bailey explained. “You know, that we had an emotional closeness. We had a falling out and then we made up again. We became friends again and the song arose immediately in the slipstream of that event.”
Alt-Folk Artist Clare Perrott Shines with New Single ‘Biting On The Hand’
Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Clare Perrott returns with her radiant sophomore single ‘Biting On The Hand’—a vibrant alt-folk anthem that channels both joy and introspection. With its sunny Americana textures and confessional tone, the track feels like a carefree summer afternoon bursting with self-awareness. Finger-picked banjo, fuzzy guitar licks, and Clare’s natural vibrato come together in an infectious blend of playfulness and warmth. “This year I really got into thinking about bad habits that I just can’t seem to shake, and with dirty banjo and distorted nylon guitar this song was born,” says Perrott.
At its heart, ‘Biting On The Hand’ turns self-sabotage into celebration. “The main message of the song is that we have to let go of things that don’t serve us anymore,” she adds. “We keep biting on the hand that doesn’t help us and going back for more when it only causes sadness and grief.” That emotional honesty defines Perrott’s songwriting, balancing the tender and the triumphant with a rare, unfiltered charm.
Following her acclaimed debut ‘Philadelphia’—which earned praise from Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Countrytown, Triple J Unearthed, and ABC Country—Perrott is quickly emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices. She’ll celebrate the release of ‘Biting On The Hand’ with a headline show at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle on November 28, joined by Symmetrical Dogs, Maple, and Glimmer, before closing out the year with a special festival appearance.
London Noise-Folk Quintet Butch Kassidy Ignite with New EP ‘Ascend / Like Fire’
West London’s Butch Kassidy are setting the scene ablaze with their new EP ‘Ascend / Like Fire,’ arriving November 25 via their own label, Polished Stone Records. The blistering new single ‘Like Fire’ is out now, serving as a thunderous preview of what’s to come. The quintet’s signature mix of noise, drone, and folk makes for a sound that’s equal parts cinematic and primal, drawing comparisons to Mogwai and Lankum while carving out a space that’s entirely their own.
“Like Fire encompasses everything Butch Kassidy,” the band says. The song bursts into life with a fierce energy before descending into a techno-tinged pulse and erupting into a chaotic wall of noise. Sparse, textured vocals swirl throughout the mix, intended more as atmosphere than narrative. “We hope anyone who listens to ‘Like Fire’ finds their own meaning within the song and lyrics. It’s not for us to say how it will make someone feel as we all feel something different when listening to music,” the band adds.
Butch Kassidy are as much a collective as they are a band. Their label, Polished Stone Records, is a creative hub for like-minded artists with a creator-first ethos. Alongside the digital release, fans can grab a limited CD-only edition featuring remixes from Wing!, Pearl2, Benefits, Anders Bach, and PUNCHBAG. Drummer Aron Murphy even crafted 20 keyrings from a broken cymbal used on the record for the first buyers. Known for explosive performances at Wide Awake, Green Man, and ArcTanGent, and recent support slots for Jehnny Beth at Electrowerkz, Butch Kassidy’s new release proves they’re one of London’s most daring and immersive new acts.
Canadian Independent Music Association Welcomes Federal Budget Boost to Canada Music Fund
The Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA) is applauding the federal government’s renewed commitment to Canada’s music ecosystem through its Budget 2025 investment in the Canada Music Fund (CMF). The announcement includes a $48 million top-up over three years beginning in 2026–27, a move CIMA calls a promising first step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of Canada’s independent music sector. “We’re encouraged to see the government acknowledge the importance of the Canada Music Fund,” said Andrew Cash, President and CEO of CIMA. “Canadian music companies and the artists they work with represent a dynamic economic engine powering the growth of Canada’s cultural economy. This budget announcement is an encouraging step forward.”
CIMA emphasized that while the renewed investment is welcome, more support is needed to maintain momentum. The organization and its partners have called for a permanent increase to $60 million annually to help Canadian-owned music companies, entrepreneurs, and artists thrive in an increasingly competitive global market. For over forty years, the CMF—delivered through FACTOR and Musicaction—has played a key role in fueling creativity, exports, and innovation within the country’s music industry.
According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canada’s arts and culture sector has grown nearly twice as fast as the national economy, contributing $65 billion and 1.1 million jobs. Cash added, “A stable Canada Music Fund is essential to building a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable music industry that reflects and amplifies Canada’s diverse voices.” With this latest budget, CIMA hopes to continue working closely with the federal government to strengthen investment in Canadian talent and solidify the nation’s standing as a global leader in music and culture.
Soulful Pop-R&B Artist Chelsea Jordan Signs with Arista Records and Drops New Single ‘Level Out’
Soulful singer-songwriter Chelsea Jordan has officially joined the Arista Records roster and marked the milestone with her major label debut single, ‘Level Out’ — a tender, introspective track that sways between pop and R&B while exploring the emotional turbulence of heartbreak. Announced in Billboard, the Baltimore-born artist brings her evocative vocals and honest lyricism to the forefront, proving why she’s quickly becoming one of the most captivating new voices in contemporary music.
“I truly couldn’t imagine a better home for my music and artistic vision,” says Chelsea. “From the jump, Arista believed in me more than I believed in myself and I didn’t know that was possible. At the end of the day, my intuition made the decision for me.” Arista Co-Presidents Clio Massey and Matt D’Arduini added, “We are thrilled to welcome Chelsea Jordan to the Arista family! An authentic and original songwriter, she is one of the most compelling emerging voices and storytellers.”
With nearly half a million followers across TikTok and Instagram, Chelsea has already made waves with her heartfelt storytelling. Her self-released single ‘halfwaythru’ reached over 2.5 million Spotify streams, while her debut EP ‘Better When I’m Lonely’ showcased her gift for weaving vulnerability into melody. From early lacrosse dreams to global music aspirations, Chelsea Jordan’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and heart — and with Arista behind her, the next chapter is just beginning.
Folk Legend Harry Chapin’s ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ Celebrates 50 Years with New Documentary
Harry Chapin’s ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ turns 50, and a brand-new documentary is honoring the timeless song that changed lives across generations. Directed by Rick Korn, Cat’s in the Cradle: The Song That Changed Our Lives dives deep into the song’s cultural legacy, its emotional resonance, and the man behind it all. Featuring heartfelt interviews with artists like Billy Joel, Pat Benatar, Judy Collins, Dee Snider, Darryl McDaniels, Mandy Patinkin, Robert Lamm, and Whitfield Crane, the film celebrates Chapin’s ability to connect hearts through music.
Produced by Rick Korn and S.A. Baron of In Plain View Entertainment, the documentary also continues Chapin’s mission of giving back. A portion of proceeds will support WhyHunger, Long Island Cares, and The Harry Chapin Foundation—organizations Chapin helped create to fight hunger and uplift communities. With never-before-seen footage, intimate stories, and powerful performances, this film brings together music and activism in a way only Chapin could inspire.
Since its 1974 release, ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ has stood as a powerful reflection on time, family, and connection. The song’s haunting reminder about missed moments between parents and children continues to strike a chord across generations, genres, and cultures. Fifty years later, its message still resonates just as deeply—and now, through this new documentary, Harry Chapin’s legacy of love, art, and humanity will continue to echo for decades to come.
Rock Icon Robert Plant Reveals His Led Zeppelin Bandmates Missed His Tolkien References
In a charming appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, rock legend Robert Plant shared that his Led Zeppelin bandmates had no idea he was weaving J.R.R. Tolkien references into the band’s lyrics. Chatting with Colbert, Plant reflected on his youth spent in the same Welsh countryside where Tolkien once lived, revealing that those mystical landscapes and epic tales seeped into his songwriting for songs like “Ramble On” and “The Battle of Evermore.” As he put it with a smile, his bandmates were blissfully unaware of the Middle-earth magic behind the music. Plant’s latest album ‘Saving Grace’ is out everywhere now.
Australian Rock Titans Wolfmother Bring the Thunder with 20th Anniversary Tour Celebration
Australian rock powerhouse Wolfmother are roaring back in 2026 to celebrate 20 years of their self-titled debut album with a massive North American tour. Fans can expect the full album performed live each night, a treat that will bring back the raw, riff-fueled magic that first made the band a global phenomenon. The tour kicks off June 7 in Austin and storms through cities including Toronto, Brooklyn, Seattle, Los Angeles, and more before wrapping July 12 in San Diego.
It’s hard to believe two decades have passed since Wolfmother first dropped in 2005. Packed with Zeppelin-sized guitar tones and chest-thumping grooves, the record introduced the world to “Woman,” “Joker & the Thief,” “White Unicorn,” and “Dimension.” The album went gold in the U.S. and five-times platinum in Australia, cementing the trio’s legacy as modern classic rock trailblazers.
Frontman Andrew Stockdale, the band’s steadfast leader through years of lineup changes, is still at the helm, joined by bassist James Wassenaar and drummer Christian Condon. Together, they’re set to unleash a sonic time machine for longtime fans and a blistering first experience for newcomers. The energy, the fuzz, and that unmistakable howl—everything that made Wolfmother legendary—is about to come roaring back to life.
Tickets are already moving fast, with an artist pre-sale underway using the code WOLFPACK26 on Ticketmaster and a general on-sale starting Friday, November 7 at 10 a.m. local time. Whether you caught them back in 2006 or you’re ready to experience “Joker & the Thief” live for the first time, this tour is pure rock adrenaline from start to finish.
Wolfmother 2026 North American Tour Dates:
06/07 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s
06/08 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues
06/09 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
06/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre
06/15 – Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
06/16 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
06/17 – Norfolk, VA @ The NorVa
06/19 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
06/20 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
06/21 – Boston, MA @ Citizens House of Blues
06/23 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
06/24 – Toronto, ON @ History
06/26 – Detroit, MI @ Saint Andrew’s Hall
06/28 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
06/30 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
07/01 – Salt Lake City, UT @ The Union Event Center
07/03 – Portland, OR @ Revolution Hall
07/04 – Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
07/05 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
07/07 – Sacramento, CA @ Channel 24
07/09 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
07/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern
07/12 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park
How Music Can Help Gamers Focus Better
By Mitch Rice
For gamers, focus is what sets wins apart from losses, even if it is an invisible edge. Whether you’re in the middle of a fast-paced shooter, a strategy game, or a poker game, concentration is key, and it is one of the hardest things to have. Distractions, tiredness, and even the emotional highs and lows of the game can upset your concentration.
Music can really help you stay focused and improve your concentration. It can change your mood and help you sustain your energy during long sessions. For a lot of gamers, a music playlist is almost as important as the monitor, mouse, or controller. With the right type of music, you can really help you reach a state of focus called “the zone” where you game effortlessly and your decisions seem to make themselves.
The Connection Between Music and Focus
Scientists have long studied how music influences cognition. Listening to rhythmic sounds activates areas of the brain associated with attention, memory, and emotion. When dopamine, the neurotransmitter responsible for motivation and pleasure, is released in response to enjoyable music, it helps keep the mind alert and engaged.
Music also acts as a buffer against distractions. Instead of letting outside noises interrupt your concentration, the steady beat of a track can help you stay anchored to the task at hand. Gamers who play in busy households or noisy environments often find that a pair of headphones and the right playlist can make all the difference in maintaining focus.
Just as music streamlines the mental side of gaming, convenience matters in the gaming experience itself, too. For example, players who enjoy online casino-style games sometimes prefer no verification sites, which allow them to start playing quickly without long registration steps. This kind of seamless experience mirrors what music does for the brain. It removes friction, reduces frustration, and lets the player stay completely immersed in the moment.
Building an Immersive Gaming Environment
Another way music helps you stay focused is by helping you stay locked in. A good soundtrack helps turn a boring gaming session into something memorable. When the music you listen to is the same as the pace of the game, it helps you make snap judgments and quick decisions.
Game developers understand the impact the music has. An explorer in a game will feel epic while adventuring to orchestral music and will assist the player in solving puzzles. A game with calm ambient music will help a player solve puzzles. A player with no soundtrack can still focus on the gameplay. They can control their emotional state to a greater degree by using a playlist that fits their play style.
A Gamer who plays under pressure and needs to make quick decisions, high-energy electronic music is a good choice. Someone with a methodical play style might like lo-fi beats, instrumental jazz, or even orchestral music as a score. The most important thing is to create an environment that matches the game.
How Music Helps Mental and Emotional Balance
Especially in competitive gaming, strong feelings can surface which can be overwhelming. Winning can be very exciting, however, losing can become very frustrating and draining. Music can help emotionally and assist gamers in remaining composed, calm, and resilient.
Repeating and slow tracks can help someone relax and keep calm in times of stress. In contrast, higher tempo and faster tracks can help someone focus and motivate them even more. This can help gamers sustain higher performance levels and avoid burnout.
Listening to a certain playlist can help learn and develop a psychological association. Focusing while playing can become easier if a certain genre of music is played. This mental association can be very powerful, making even a few notes of a song help someone focus.
Finding the Right Music for Your Gaming Style
Not all music has the same effect on focus, and personal preference matters. Instrumental tracks tend to work best because lyrics can compete for your brain’s attention, especially during tasks that require reading or strategic thinking. Genres like classical, chill-hop, ambient, and electronic are popular among gamers for their steady beats and consistent energy.
Tempo is another factor. Fast music can sharpen reflexes and increase adrenaline for action-heavy titles, while slower music promotes clarity and patience during turn-based or puzzle games. Experimenting with different tempos helps you discover what best matches your style and goals.
It is also important to balance the music volume with the game audio. Overpowering the in-game sounds can make you miss important cues like footsteps, signals, or notifications. The ideal mix enhances the environment without overwhelming it.
Cognitive Benefits of Music
Using music while gaming helps with more than just focus. Over time, players report improvements in mental stamina and emotional balance in other areas of life. The same playlists that assist in maintaining focus during games are effective for studying, working, or other creative projects.
Music helps the brain sustain attention and improves concentration. This means that music while gaming can help in the development of patience, rhythm, and adaptability.
Music also helps in creating order. Listening to the same music or sounds creates a routine, telling the brain it’s time to focus. This helps in creating a smoother transition to focus when not gaming.
Conclusion
The gamer’s use of music to improve focus is to increase motivation, lessen distractions, and gain control over emotions and overall performance. The right music not only helps in sharpening reactions and calming nerves but also keeps attention locked on the task at hand. Putting together calming music and a neat gaming setup without distractions lets players keep things in order and adds to players’ performance. Whether you are in a casual game or a serious game competition, having the right music while you play can enhance the experience. Playing the right music makes it smooth, engrossing, and satisfying. So next time you are going to play a game, think about the music you will put on. The background music can help you concentrate and keep your focus and help you play your best game.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.